2001 9 5 leaking oil on driver side near front running down transmission to exuast burning off cat. It is not coming between the tranny n engine. It looks oil.

sheild ignition wires and try a product called "foamy engine bright" where at the pressure car wash can blast the oil residue clean to locate the leak (after it dries) be sure to be packin' a can of WD-40 which you'll spray on the high tension components after it won't start because the electrics are wet~...then it will start with some "water displacer 40"~ anyways most likely is a head gasket and recommend the engine brite AFTER the headgasket is replaced...the leak ain't goin' away by itself...get some replacement V/C gaskets~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDRbFUpR-Sw

you could do the pressure wash After we are sure that it is at the V/C gasket...that would be a lot less trouble...probably you will need a floorjack...both to do the inspection and to do the cleaning of that area~

often the auto makers are using butyl rubber, rather than a more advanced elastomer...which is akin to coal tar and chewing gum...does not last....will let oil out....will let BRAKE fluid out too....you might check to see if the troubles are not caused by butyl rubber failure~~BMW always uses silicone rubber hoses....they are smart~